When personal hygiene is being discussed, the hands, the face, and the body are usually the ones that receive attention; however, the feet need just as much attention. Poor foot care can result in several problems, one being infections that occur around the toenails.
Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is a common condition that causes the nails to become discolored, brittle, and thick. It starts as a minor issue but quickly turns into something that hurts and causes discomfort.
Keeping the feet clean is one of the most effective ways to prevent nail fungus. In normal situations, the feet are constantly exposed to moisture, sweating and bacteria, creating the perfect environment for developing fungal infections.
By keeping our feet clean and dry, we are, therefore, able to significantly reduce the risk of developing nail fungus and related conditions. This article discusses why foot hygiene is necessary to avoid nail fungus.
1. Prevents Moisture Buildup
Excessive moisture is among the primary causes of nail fungus. Fungi thrive in warm and wet conditions, and if the feet remain constantly exposed to moisture, the chances are higher that they will become infected.
Whether from sweating, wet socks, or failing to dry after bathing, moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for the growth of fungal spores.
Thus, washing the feet avoids the accumulation of excess moisture. So, drying feet after a bath, changing socks regularly, and wearing breathable footwear can dry the feet.
In addition, applying foot powders or antifungal sprays will further lower moisture levels, preventing the risk of nail fungus. For those already experiencing symptoms, using the best fungal nail treatment can help eliminate the infection and restore healthy nails.
Another essential habit is not lingering too long in damp areas. Barefoot walking in public showers, swimming pools, or gymnasiums subjects the feet to fungi that inhabit these areas. Wearing protective footwear, such as flip-flop sandals or shower shoes, will help guard and keep the feet dry.
2. Reduces Fungal and Bacterial Growth
Proper foot hygiene prevents the development of fungi and bacteria. If feet aren’t washed often enough, dead skin cells and sweat accumulate, becoming the ideal breeding ground for microorganisms.
Over time, this buildup can lead to infections, including nail fungus. On top of that, washing feet daily with soap and water helps remove bacteria and fungi that may be present.
Also, it is important to pay attention to the areas between the toes, as these spaces are prone to trapping moisture and debris. Washing the feet and toenails gently with a soft-bristled brush also helps eliminate harmful microorganisms. Cutting the toenails also discourages the development of fungi.
This is because longer nails harbor dirt and bacteria and are likely to get infected. Similarly, keeping the nails trimmed and clean discourages the development and establishment of fungi.
3. Prevents Spread of Infection
After the infection, it spreads easily from one toenail to another and even all around the body. If the feet are not kept clean, the risk of infection greatly increases. Therefore, prevention measures are essential.
In such cases, direct contact with contaminated surfaces or objects ranks among the primary means of transmission of the spores, such as towels, socks, or shoes. Most people transmit infections unknowingly by sharing personal items such as socks or nail clippers.
To minimize this risk factor, having personal hygiene items and not sharing them with others is essential. Besides that, regular disinfection of socks and shoes can also prevent fungal infections from spreading. Washing socks in hot water and using antifungal powders or sprays inside shoes to kill lingering fungi can make reinfection unlikely.
Furthermore, clean, dry feet are the best way to prevent the spread of nail fungus to other nails or even to others. Regularly following proper foot hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of infection spreading to other nails or others nearby.
4. Minimizes Contact with Contaminants
Fungi and bacteria most frequently breed in public places such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and gyms. Walking barefoot in these facilities also increases the likelihood of exposure to harmful microorganisms that lead to nail fungus. That’s why proper foot hygiene is essential to reduce exposure to these pathogens.
That said, protective shoes, such as water or flip-flop shoes, must be worn in public areas to minimize the risk of infection. They act as a barrier between the feet and the contaminated surfaces, keeping the feet from contacting the fungi and bacteria. Washing the feet thoroughly after visiting such areas also helps to remove any potential spores that can infect the nails.
Also important is keeping the house clean. Cleaning the floors regularly, especially where you walk barefoot, will also minimize the chance of contamination. Being careful about the environment and taking precautions will also help minimize contact with harmful microorganisms and prevent the development of nail fungus.
5. Reduces Risk of Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the skin on the feet that causes itching, redness, and peeling. If untreated, it quickly spreads to the toenails and causes nail infection. Good foot hygiene significantly reduces the risk of athlete’s foot development and disease.
Daily washing of the feet using mild soap and drying them well, especially between the toes, kills fungi and bacteria before they can reproduce. Antifungal sprays or powders also provide the feet with extra protection against infection by forming a layer that makes it harder for fungi to develop.
Moreover, wearing breathable socks and shoes is one of the primary methods for avoiding an athlete’s foot. Non-breathable tight shoes create a warm and moist environment that favors the development of fungi. Alternatively, wearing shoes with ventilation and frequently changing socks will keep feet fresh and dry and avoid infection.
Take Away
Foot hygiene is often neglected, yet it is one primary key to preventing nail fungus and infection. Clean, dry, well-manicured feet make all the difference in avoiding fungi growth and maintaining healthy toenails. Basic practices such as daily foot washing, using breathable shoes, and proper nail trimming all contribute significantly to protecting against infection.
Preventing nail fungus requires consistency and attention to detail, but the benefits are worth it. Good hygiene prevents unsightly and painful nail infections and improves the general health of the feet.
